Cable and glass are the two go-to railings for homeowners who don’t want to block a view. Both look modern and both can meet California code. They feel very different to live with, though.
Quick comparison
| Cable | Glass | |
|---|---|---|
| View | Very open; thin lines across the view | The most open; nothing but the frame or edges |
| Wind | Lets wind through | Blocks wind |
| Cost | Usually less | Usually more, especially frameless |
| Kids and pets | Horizontal cables can be climbed | No gaps to climb or squeeze through |
| Cleaning | Wipe occasionally | Rinse and squeegee regularly outdoors |
| Maintenance | Re-tension cables now and then | Check seals and hardware |
| Look | Modern, light, slightly industrial | Clean, minimal, high-end |
Choose cable if…
- You want open views at a lower price
- Wind isn’t a problem where the railing goes
- You like a lighter, more architectural look
- It’s for a large deck with lots of linear feet
Choose glass if…
- Your balcony gets strong wind (Santa Ana gusts, hilltop lots)
- You have young kids and want no climbable gaps
- You want the most open, minimal look
- It’s for an interior stair or loft where you want light to pass through
Mix and match
Plenty of homes use both: glass on a windy upper balcony and cable on a large lower deck, or glass inside and cable outside. A fabricator can match post finishes so they look like one design.
Learn more about cable railings and glass railings, or request a free quote.
Common questions
Which is cheaper, cable or glass railing?
Cable is usually less expensive than glass, especially compared with frameless glass systems.
Which is better for windy balconies?
Glass. It blocks wind, while cable lets it through. Glass systems must be designed for wind load.